Cleaning Shields on Slipjoint Knives

[Hondo33]

Hi, folks. I’m renewing my interest in older, traditional slipjoint knives. I have a good, basic understanding of techniques for removing gunk and rust from blades, but I’m hoping you can help me with info on cleaning shields attached to the covers. If there is rust and perhaps what looks like peppering on a shield, would attempting to remove these risk discoloring the shield? I’m interested in this for application to all brands as I seek out knives but at the moment specifically looking at a Schrade USA era knife available online that looks nice except for a couple of dark spots on the shield. Please let me know your thoughts on this. Thanks to all.

 

[Quiet]

I would personally try a dot of Brasso (or steel cleaner) on a Q-tip so as not to possibly damage or discolor the surrounding scale (especially if it's an older knife). As with anything else, slow and steady will help here. As for pitting, you probably are not removing that, but rust spots should be easy to remove with little issue.

 

[Hondo33]

I would personally try a dot of Brasso (or steel cleaner) on a Q-tip so as not to possibly damage or discolor the surrounding scale (especially if it's an older knife). As with anything else, slow and steady will help here. As for pitting, you probably are not removing that, but rust spots should be easy to remove with little issue.

Thanks. I’d start very gently as you suggest but, if that doesn’t work, I wonder if rubbing a shield with Flitz or similar that’s a bit abrasive would be problematic. Specifically, are the older Schrade shields solid nickel silver or is there some surface plating that is at risk of being worn through?

 

[Quiet]

Thanks. I’d start very gently as you suggest but, if that doesn’t work, I wonder if rubbing a shield with Flitz or similar that’s a bit abrasive would be problematic. Specifically, are the older Schrade shields solid nickel silver or is there some surface plating that is at risk of being worn through?

No, it shouldn't. People on the Porch (the Traditional section which is probably where a mod should move this so as to be seen by more experienced folks) use Flitz all the time, so that should work as well.

Blues The Porch will definitely be able to help Hondo out on this.

 

[Hondo33]

No, it shouldn't. People on the Porch (the Traditional section which is probably where a mod should move this so as to be seen by more experienced folks) use Flitz all the time, so that should work as well.

Blues The Porch will definitely be able to help Hondo out on this.

Thanks very much. Would be happy for this to be moved to the appropriate place. I hate to be “that guy” whose first post is in the wrong sub forum.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Posting a photo of the knife and shield would be very helpful, in gathering advice that will be specific and pertinent.

I'm betting there's not too much risk though, in polishing spots out of a shield on an older traditional knife. I've never seen or heard of issues with plated shields, or even that they exist at all. I think all I've seen are solid metal (nickel silver, pot metal or something else). And I don't recall ever seeing any posts here mentioning any damage related to polishing shields on older knives.

It's good that this can also be redirected to the Traditional Forum for more input. Should get good advice there.

 

[Hondo33]

Posting a photo of the knife and shield would be very helpful, in gathering advice that will be specific and pertinent.

I'm betting there's not too much risk though, in polishing spots out of a shield on an older traditional knife. I've never seen or heard of issues with plated shields, or even that they exist at all. I think all I've seen are solid metal (nickel silver, pot metal or something else). And I don't recall ever seeing any posts here mentioning any damage related to polishing shields on older knives.

It's good can also be redirected to the Traditional Forum for more input. Should get good advice there.

I don’t see an icon that allows me to attach a photo. Perhaps that’s only available with a paid membership, which I don’t have at this point. However, the responses have been helpful and I’m very appreciative.

 

[ea42]

Most all of the Schrade shields were nickel silver or brass plated, shouldn't be any rust on them so something like Brasso or Simichrome should clean them right up. Don't go too crazy on the brass because the ones that were plated had a VERY thin layer of brass on them.

Eric

 

[gentleman_edc]

I don’t see an icon that allows me to attach a photo. Perhaps that’s only available with a paid membership, which I don’t have at this point. However, the responses have been helpful and I’m very appreciative.

If you are not a paid member, you have to post via an IMG link to some other photo service.

 

[RPZIP]

Like imgur or Flickr

 

[Hondo33]

Most all of the Schrade shields were nickel silver or brass plated, shouldn't be any rust on them so something like Brasso or Simichrome should clean them right up. Don't go too crazy on the brass because the ones that were plated had a VERY thin layer of brass on them.

Eric

That’s helpful. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

I don’t see an icon that allows me to attach a photo. Perhaps that’s only available with a paid membership, which I don’t have at this point. However, the responses have been helpful and I’m very appreciative.

I use imgur for a photo-hosting service. Can upload photos to their site (it's free to sign up) and then copy the 'BBCode' formatted link they provide when you click on the photo, to paste directly into your posts here. Done as such, that BBCode format will automatically display your photo in your post here.

 

[meako]

What about Autosol metal polish with a cloth?....or if it's really bad ...toothpaste..

 

[sf fanatic]

First things first, welcome to the Forum! I’ve used Flitz polish and have always gotten good results. The other suggestions are also good too. As you have discovered Porch is a fountain of knowledge with folks here who have forgotten more about traditional knives than I’ll ever know. Please consider purchasing a membership they are what keep the lights on .

 

[Hondo33]

First things first, welcome to the Forum! I’ve used Flitz polish and have always gotten good results. The other suggestions are also good too. As you have discovered Porch is a fountain of knowledge with folks here who have forgotten more about traditional knives than I’ll ever know. Please consider purchasing a membership they are what keep the lights on .

Thanks. The knife I was considering ended up getting sold to someone else but yours and other replies will help me better evaluate shields with issues in the future.

 

[Chui]

I use Battistol and a toothbrush - that fluid cleans and conditions not only metal surfaces, but also horn, antler, wood and leather. Brilliant stuff.